The_Ledger_Summer_2019

Involving Youth Continued from page 68

Kickin’ it in Kansas AJAA Members Travel to the Sunflower State

Each June, the American Ju nior Aberdeen Association spon sors the Junior National Show and Competition, with the loca tion rotating to different areas of the country. In recent years, junior members have traveled to Ames, Iowa; Sterling, Colo.; Stillwater, Okla.; and Manhattan, Kan., for the highly anticipated gathering. At the event, youth members have the opportunity to com pete in marketing, ultrasound, fitting, cook-off, showmanship and livestock judging competi tions, as well as exhibit cattle in the Bred and Owned, and National shows. Selection of the

queen and princess, and board of director elections are also conducted. The AJAA annual meeting, banquet and awards are also held during this event. This experience helps youth members gain knowledge about the cattle business and Ameri can Aberdeen breed in addition to leadership and life skills. The 2019 AJAA Junior Na tional Show and Competition will be hosted June 25-29 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Lawrence, Kan. To see the schedule, register or learn more, visit https://americanaberdeen. com/events/jr-national-show/ .

helped him get more comfortable serving in leadership roles, and he recommends the junior association, or even applying to be on the board, to all youth. “For showmen not old enough for 4-H, it’s great because the cattle aren’t 1,500 pounds and pushing them around the ring,” he says. “For me, I saw it as a way to get into the livestock industry, and I was able to meet people from all over that I even tually sold calves to.” During Walker’s time on the junior board, she and her fellow board members were able to freshen up older events and add new events to the schedule, such as meat judging, public speaking and marketing con tests, and a market beef show thanks to the freedom their advisors gave them. “Everything about the board and the junior association was a great op portunity,” Walker says. If anyone is considering applying for an AJAA Board position, Walker encourages them to talk to the cur rent board members, ask questions and get a feeling for what the current junior board’s goals are and what they’re trying to do, then see where they fit in. “When you run, you’re a leader and people are looking at you all the time, so be your best person and just help the board move forward in the growth and development of the members and ultimately the breed.” TL Zoe Walker, former AJAA Board member, and Jaci Brown, current AJAA Board member, dur ing the 2017 junior nationals.

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SECREST CAT TLE COMPANY

SPECIALIZING IN RED FULLBLOODS

SUN 174 D FF31540 Bred to EZ Skywalker FM 34641 (Red Fullblood Bull) for a Spring 2019 Red Fullblood Calf

We have a strong belief in this breed and their ability to use the natural grass that God provides us. That is why we not only sell breeding stock but also a natural grass fed meat product. These cattle have been good to us and the Red Genetics provides our cattle the ability to better sustain the heat in our Oklahoma summers.

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth. (Psalm 104:14 KJV)

JustinSecrest | 405-880-4755 | SunsetHill Ranch | 5818W.McMurtryRoad | Stillwater,OK74075

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